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This piece is an old English Dance from the 1650s. It is traditional and no one knows who composed it, it is Anonymous (often shortened to anon).
It's possible 'farewell' refers to the last goodbye before an execution! A parson is another word for a vicar.
Listen to the music LOTS!
First time: Clap the pulse.
Second time: Listen to the changes in dynamics - stand up for LOUD sections and sit down for QUIET sections. Do the changes from loud to quiet and quiet to loud happen gradually or suddenly? If you think they happen gradually then move up or down gradually.
Third time: What is the character of the music - come up with one or two words. (E.g. mysterious, funny)
How is the pianist showing the character of the music? (e.g. playing loudly, playing smoothly)
Fourth time: Can you come up with a STORY for the music? What is happening during the quiet parts or the loud parts? What is happening during the scale patterns? Why are there staccato notes in your story? When the notes are legatto what is happening now?
Fifth time: Can you identify the STRUCTURE of the song? Are there long sections which repeat?
Sixth time: Can you clap the rhythm as you listen?
Seventh time: Can you sing along with any parts of it?
Eighth time: Can you play any of it by ear on the piano?
Ninth time: Do you like the music? Why or why not?
Tenth time: Can you make up your own dance moves? This was a coordinated dance with set moves in a group - perhaps you can come up with moves for a group of four people?
Question 1
Question 1
Watch the video of some English Country Dancing. When do you think people might have gathered today to do these dances?
Country Dancing was popular in Queen Elizabeth I's time. It was very popular in the Court, for the educated and wealthy classes. During the 1600s, country dancing flourished. In the 1700s the dances were performed by both the wealthy and the commoners alike. Stately dances might start with minuets and then country dancing would follow as they were bright, rhythmic and simple, and so a refreshing finale to an evening of stately dances.
Jigs and Reels are also types of English country dance . The genre travelled to France and became known as contredanse in France, quadrille and cotillon and the Anglaise (for English as it was seen very specifically an English form) and then Ecossaise for Scottish Dances. You might see these as the titles of other pieces you might learn.
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